The first primary outcome parameter consists of a combined endpoint consisting of mortality and major morbidity (LOLA). The second primary endpoint consists of stoma-free survival one year after initial surgery (DIVA). Secondary endpoints are number of days alive and outside the hospital, health related quality of life, health care utilisation and associated costs. A sample size of 132:66:66 patients per treatment arm will be able to detect a difference in the combined endpoint of serious complications and mortality from 25% in the two sigmoidectomy groups compared to 10% in the lavage group (two-side alpha of 5% and a power of 90%. In the DIVA analysis 2x132 patients are needed to significantly demonstrate a difference of 30% in stoma-free survival between both treatment arms (log rank test two-sided alpha of 5% and power of 90%) in favour of the patients with primary anastomosis. More than 35 hospitals will participate in this study with an estimated total inclusion of 100 patients per year. Patients will be followed for one year.